What can be done about hearing loss?

Free hearing tests are available at hearing healthcare practises nationwide and your local one can be found here. Or a free 3 minute online hearing test can be taken here – however if you are having difficulties with your hearing, this test should not replace speaking to a specialist.

There are two treatment routes available to UK residents with hearing loss, each with their own benefits:

Private

Taking the private route allows more choice of hearing aids, which can mean you are able to get a hearing device better suited for your hearing impairment. As well as being smaller, and therefore more discreet, hearing devices bought from a private dispenser tend to have a variety of innovative features such as wireless link-up with mobile phones/television and functions to reduce background noise in loud environments.

It usually takes one week to have your first appointment, and then a further two weeks to have your hearing aid fitted.

Once you have been fitted with your new hearing aid, you will meet again with your hearing aid audiologist a couple of weeks after the fitting to ensure you are comfortable with the performance and programming of your new digital hearing aid. Following this, regular check-ups will then be scheduled with your audiologist to ensure you are happy with the way your hearing aid is working.

An aftercare programme will usually consist of:

Unlimited Fine Tuning Sessions

Service & Check-up Appointments

Re-Assesments

Re-Programming

Wax Management Programme

Hearing Aid Cleaning Service

Interim Service Appointments

Pros of buying your hearing aid privately:

You’re likely to be able to book an appointment at your convenience, with no waiting time

As mentioned previously, private audiologists are able to offer a greater range of styles, especially if you want discreet or invisible hearing aids

You’re likely to see the same audiologist for every one of your check-ups and during follow-up visits throughout the after care package

You’re likely to have more time with the audiologist to discuss your issues and the options available to you

Hearing care is free of charge on the NHS including the hearing aid, ear moulds, maintenance and any battery changes.

Hearing aids usually last a standard 5 years, when a new one is provided. In some regions waiting times and fittings can be a number of months however initiatives have been put in place to help reduce these times - including a telephone check-up service to make sure everything is going well following the fitting and a free helpline.

Pros of getting an NHS hearing aid:

• NHS hearing aids are free. Digital models that can be set to accurately match your hearing loss are issued as standard now on the NHS, but you may not get much choice in the type of hearing aid. It’s likely to be a behind-the-ear with ear mould or open-fit
• All services are free, including repairs and replacement batteries. There may be a charge if you lose a hearing aid but you will need to check this with the audiologist
• You’ll get free follow-up care, but unless there's a health issue it may not be with a qualified audiologist. Some hospitals offer drop-in clinics, but you’re likely to have to go at set times and you may have to wait to be seen.